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ETFE Panels and Charred Shingles Form A-Frame Cabin Designed for Sustainable Trekking in Iceland

Authors:
Ian Rosenfield, Daniel Omuro, Alfia White
ETFE Panels and Charred Shingles Form A-Frame Cabin Designed for Sustainable Trekking in Iceland

Project in-detail

Crafted with ETFE panels and charred wooden shingles, this A-frame cabin delivers resilient shelter for trekkers in Iceland's remote landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
ETFE panels provide lightweight, high thermal efficiency while allowing natural light penetration.
02
The cabin features a bent A-frame design, optimizing structural integrity in harsh weather conditions.
03
Charred wooden shingles offer natural fire resistance and durability, enhancing longevity.
04
Locally sourced timber minimizes transportation emissions and integrates the structure into its environment.
05
Passive solar strategies maximize energy efficiency and user comfort without mechanical heating.
The project under analysis is a sustainable cabin designed for trekkers in the remote landscapes of Iceland. The architectural solution aims to provide essential shelter while minimizing environmental impact. The cabin's design is informed by local climatic conditions, incorporating materials and construction methods that enhance durability and sustainability. Its primary function is to offer comfortable accommodations for both casual and serious trekkers visiting this rugged terrain.

The architecture of the cabin is characterized by its adaptive A-frame structure, optimizing for both strength and form. This design approach is particularly effective in regions prone to harsh weather, allowing for efficient water runoff and snow load management. The cabin's integration into the landscape is executed through careful site planning, ensuring minimal disruption to the existing ecology and visual aesthetics of the surroundings.

Sustainable Material Use and Energy Efficiency
The project is exemplary in its use of environmentally friendly materials. Key components include metal framing and corrugated metal roofing, which provide structural integrity and longevity. The insulation uses ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) panels, recognized for their lightweight properties and high thermal efficiency. To further enhance sustainability, local timber is sourced for various structural and aesthetic elements, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

The design incorporates passive solar strategies to optimize energy use. The careful placement of large windows ensures ample natural light while promoting passive ventilation, thereby enhancing indoor comfort without relying heavily on artificial heating or cooling systems. Renewable energy is also harnessed through the incorporation of a small wind turbine, contributing to the cabin's overall energy independence.

Adaptability and User-Centric Design
A notable aspect of the project is its adaptability. The roof pitches, varying between 0%, 10%, and 20%, allow for a tailored response to the site-specific conditions, facilitating customization for varied user needs. This modular approach can accommodate groups of trekkers by adjusting internal spaces efficiently. The cabin is designed to cater to multiple occupant scenarios with various amenities, including gear storage and clean water systems.

Interior elements are streamlined to enhance functionality while promoting a connection to nature. User amenities focus on sustainability, featuring low-water use systems and composting toilet solutions that align with environmentally responsible practices. The design not only emphasizes comfort but also nurtures an appreciation for the natural surroundings.

The cabin project represents a convergence of architectural innovation and ecological consideration, setting a benchmark for future developments within sensitive environments. To gain a deeper understanding of its architectural planning, design rationale, and technical details, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation, which includes architectural designs, sections, and plans that highlight the comprehensive approach taken in this endeavor.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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